A special tribute was given to Judith Winford, the former SAM program director who suffered from asthma and passed away from a different illness on Dec. 22, 2013. The tribute was held at the Center for Community and Economic Development on the campus of Delta State.

Each year, the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America declares the month of May as National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month.

Evelyn Taylor-Jackson presented asthma facts and management techniques to participants. She also expressed the importance of education and awareness to prevent and manage the disease. Mayor Billy Nowell presented Wheezy Bear with the proclamation declaring World Asthma Month for the City of Cleveland.

It is currently peak season for asthma and allergy sufferers and the perfect time to educate patients, family, friends and co-workers about these diseases. Asthma is a chronic lifelong disease that impacts the lungs. It can’t be cured, but is controllable with the help of a written asthma action plan. The plan should be completed collaboratively by a physician, patient and parent if the patient is a minor.

According to Senate Bill 2218, all students diagnosed with asthma must have a written student action plan on file at their school effective July 2014.

For more information regarding asthma or the Student Action Plan, talk with your physician or contact the SAM program at 662-846-4807 or mdorsey@deltastate.edu.